Dubai Rising Conference Highlights Strategic Vision For Global Business Leadership And Economic Growth

The Dubai Media Council, in partnership with Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, organised the ‘Dubai Rising: Building Tomorrow’s Global Business Capital’ conference at the Museum of the Future. This private event brought together policymakers, business leaders, media professionals, and scholars from the UAE, the US, and other regions to discuss Dubai's strategic vision for global commerce and sustainable economic growth.

Nineteen high-level speakers shared insights into policies, investments, and technological advancements crucial to Dubai’s economic transformation. The event aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to enhance Dubai’s role in driving sustainable growth globally. It also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, aiming to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033.

Mohammad Ali bin Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, delivered a keynote on the D33 agenda. He emphasised key pillars like attracting external investment, embracing digital transformation, incorporating sustainable initiatives, and advancing societal development to attract and retain talent.

The conference featured four panel discussions. The first panel focused on designing infrastructure for tomorrow. Maitha Mohammed Al Shamsi from the Community Development Authority outlined developments supporting social growth in line with the D33 agenda. Mohamed AlMulla highlighted that technical evolution drives economic success.

Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni noted that Dubai's leadership ensures digital goals are integrated into its broader economic vision. The second panel explored challenges and opportunities in the global business landscape for Dubai and the UAE. Martina A. Strong highlighted Dubai's role as a dynamic business hub connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Insights on Diversification and Innovation

Sima Ved discussed how Apparel Group uses lessons from Dubai for global marketing strategies. Reena Aggarwal observed that Dubai diversifies not only sectors but also international partnerships for stable economic growth. The third panel addressed financing infrastructure investment over the next decade.

Salmaan Jaffery commented on DIFC as a model of innovation for emerging markets. Jad Ellawn affirmed that healthy competition within the UAE encourages collective growth. Henrik Raber emphasised hiring freethinkers who demonstrate humility.

AI's Role in Business Evolution

The final panel discussed AI's impact on business environments. Dr. Karim El Solh shared Gulf Capital's early investments in AI before it became mainstream. Rostin Behnam spoke about balancing AI regulation with attracting businesses while Raakin Iqbal stressed innovation as essential for government progress.

Nehal Badri praised the event’s success: "The conference highlighted knowledge exchange power in driving excellence." Paul Almeida added: "We were honoured to convene leading minds at our first event in Dubai." The gathering fostered discussions laying groundwork for future partnerships enhancing Dubai's position as a global business hub.

Georgetown’s Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy concluded with insights from benefactors Michael Psaros and Robert Steers discussing research enriched by their presence in this global hub operating out of Dubai.

With inputs from WAM